Bartlett and Dolgo rootstock

[jlane35]

I found some Bartlett and Dolgo rootstock seedlings for what I considered a really cheap price, $2.90. Are they worth buying to plant? Or should I hold off and wait for specific types that will drop when I want?

 

[Native Hunter]

Rootstock is usually used for grafting. People buy rootstock and graft the varieties they want to the rootstock.

Dolgo is becoming popular with some folks as a rootstock for apple grafting. If it is true Dolgo it would make a Dolgo tree without grafting, and that would be okay if you want Dolgo. However, what people refer to as "Dolgo" varies a lot. Some people refer to any seedling from Dolgo as Dolgo, without taking into account the other parent. I once bought what was supposed to be a Dolgo, but it turned out to be a big green apple that would remind you of Granny Smith.

Bartlett is a fireblight magnet. I don't want a Bartlett Pear and I don't want Bartlett rootstock for grafting. It might be okay for grafting, but I personally don't want it after the research I've done on how rootstock can affect disease resistance.

 

[jlane35]

Rootstock is usually used for grafting. People buy rootstock and graft the varieties they want to the rootstock.

Dolgo is becoming popular with some folks as a rootstock for apple grafting. If it is true Dolgo it would make a Dolgo tree without grafting, and that would be okay if you want Dolgo. Bartlett is a fireblight magnet. I don't want a Bartlett Pear and I don't want Bartlett rootstock for grafting. It might be okay for grafting, but I personally don't want it after the research I've done on how rootstock can affect disease resistance.

Thank you, it is Malus Dolgo. They are both from Blue Hill and I asked if they will produce fruit or if they are strictly for grafting. He said both will produce fruit and it’s a cheap way to add soft mast. Thanks for the heads up on Bartlett. I already have 10 trees coming from Blue Hill and another 5 Eliza choice from another orchard.

Blue Hill does have some Wickson Crabapple and Wild Crabs available if anyone was looking.

 

[Native Hunter]

Thank you, it is Malus Dolgo. They are both from Blue Hill and I asked if they will produce fruit or if they are strictly for grafting. He said both will produce fruit and it’s a cheap way to add soft mast. Thanks for the heads up on Bartlett. I already have 10 trees coming from Blue Hill and another 5 Eliza choice from another orchard.

Blue Hill does have some Wickson Crabapple and Wild Crabs available if anyone was looking.

You’re welcome. Yes, some Dolgo from Blue Hill would be a good way to add some crabapples at a low price.

 

[TheOldOak]

Thanks for the tip, I went ahead and ordered a dozen, they arrived about 3 weeks ago. 10 already in the ground and two potted for future locations. Finally have plenty of crabapples, at a cheap price. Willing to take a chance at $36/dozen plus shipping. Big box stores around here are charging like $70 for the big, 3 gallon, potted dolgo trees. May have to wait a few more years, but I have time.